Frequently Asked Questions

Mental health coaching is a collaborative process that aims to support individuals in achieving their mental wellness goals. It involves working with a trained coach who helps clients identify obstacles, set achievable objectives, and develop strategies to enhance their mental well-being.

Mental health coaching offers several benefits:

• Goal-oriented approach: Coaches work with clients to set specific, actionable goals related to their mental health and overall well-being.
• Empowerment: Clients are empowered to take an active role in their mental health journey, fostering a sense of control and self-efficacy.
• Accountability: Coaches provide accountability and support to help clients stay motivated and on track towards their goals.
• Skill-building: Clients learn practical skills and techniques to manage stress, improve self-care, enhance resilience, and cultivate positive habits.
• Holistic perspective: Mental health coaching considers various aspects of an individual's life, including relationships, lifestyle, and personal values, to promote holistic well-being.

While mental health coaching and psychotherapy share some similarities, they differ in several key ways:

• Focus: Mental health coaching typically focuses on the present and future, emphasizing goal-setting, personal development, and action-oriented strategies. In contrast, psychotherapy often explores past experiences, emotions, and underlying psychological issues to promote healing and insight.
• Scope of practice: Although Dawn is a licensed psychotherapist, this offer is not designed to diagnose or treat mental health disorders. Instead, this is to  provide guidance, support, and skill-building to enhance overall well-being. 
• Duration and frequency: Mental health coaching is often shorter-term and may involve fewer sessions compared to psychotherapy, which can be more long-term and intensive, depending on the individual's needs.
• Approach: Mental health coaching typically employs a collaborative, client-centered approach, focusing on strengths, solutions, and personal growth. Psychotherapy may incorporate different therapeutic modalities and techniques tailored to address specific mental health concerns.

Mental health coaching can benefit individuals seeking to improve their overall well-being, cope with stress, enhance self-care practices, build resilience, navigate life transitions, and achieve personal or professional goals. It can be particularly helpful for those who are motivated to make positive changes in their lives and are seeking guidance and support to do so.

Mental health coaching is beneficial for most individuals; however, it is not designed for those experiencing severe mental health issues, crises, or emergencies.  In such cases, Dawn McMillan Coaching will refer to another professional such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, as appropriate.

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